Everton need to beat Arsenal to keep hopes of a Champions League spot alive

By Sushant Kaw

With the toffees lining up to face Arsenal, Goal tells you why the side from Merseyside desperately needs a win…

When the season started out, Everton were one of the first ones out of the blocks. Their season started with a 1-0 victory over title favourites, Manchester United. David Moyes’ men managed to capture 10 points from a possible 15, with 3 wins and 1 draw in their first 5 games. This was a good start considering their tendancy to begin campaigns slowly and their aspirations for the top 4 this season.

Since then Everton have struggled for form with them not being able to win more than two games in a row. Not being able to turn draws into wins has been one of their probems which is highlighted by the fact that they have managed 14 victories and 13 draws this season. Everton now, currently lie 6th on the Premier League table 3 points behind Chelsea and Tottenham, though, Rafa Benitez’s men have a game in hand.

The Everton versus Arsenal game, to use the clichéd saying is a possible six pointer. A win tonight would take the Toffees to a point behind Arsenal, who currently sit at third place. A victory would be a shot in the arm for the Merseyside club as they have somewhat been sidelined in the race to the Champions League spot.

Everton have long been known as a mid table club and have been lauded for their consistency despite their financial restrictions. In fact, even Stoke City have managed to spend more than £100 million since they have come into the Premier League and now look set to face the drop.

David Moyes is yet to sign a new contract and it seems both parties want to wait and see where Everton finish at the end of the season, before deciding on where the future lies for them. Everton would not want to lose Moyes who has been a key figure at the club. Moyes though it seems, wants to test himself further, preferably at a place where has more money to spend and not placed under restrictions like he faced at Everton.

Could Baines be lining up against Davild Silva in the Manchester Derby next season?

Everton's upcoming fixtures

Apr 16

Arsenal (A)

Apr 20

Sunderland (A)

Apr 27

Fulham (H)

May 5

Liverpool (A)

May12

West Ham United (H)

May19

Chelsea (A)

It is not only Moyes that needs Champions League, there are a few players in the Everton squad, Leighton Baines and Mouranne Fellaini amongst them, who would be looking at their contemporaries and thinking they deserve to play at the highest level as well. With the World Cup 2014 fast approaching Baines would want to impress England manger Roy Hodgson, and for that playing in the Champions League would hold the key.

Manchester United was keen last season but decided not to buy after Everton failed to reduce their asking price. Fellaini has been a revelation this season and has been linked with various Premier League sides including Chelsea. He would also seek a club plying their trade in the Champions League. These players though could possibly remain with Everton if they were to qualify for the showpiece event themselves.

A win tonight could help Everton get the confidence they need in order to challenge for the top four spot. Champions League football would ensure Moyes would stay at the club and also be allowed more cash to spend as the monetary advantages of qualifying for the Champions League entails.

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